The Washington Commanders have fired coach Ron Rivera, according to multiple reports.
Rivera posted a 26–40–1 record over four seasons with Washington, including 4–13 this season. ESPN’s Adam Schefter was the first to break the news.
Rivera guided Washington to a playoff berth and NFC East title with a 7–9 record in 2020, but he wasn’t able to lead the team to a winning record during his four years with the club.
Rivera previously served as coach of the Carolina Panthers for nine seasons, compiling a 76–63–1 record from 2011 through ’19. He piloted the Panthers to an NFC championship and Super Bowl 50 appearance in the 2015 season.
Kevin R. Wexler/The Record/USA TODAY Network
The firing of Rivera, 62, was hardly unexpected, as rumors and reports of the expected divorce had been swirling for weeks. The team now will embark on a coaching search that will define the direction the franchise takes under new owner Josh Harris.
The Commanders confirmed the move later Monday morning.
We’ve parted ways with head coach Ron Rivera pic.twitter.com/wTKnbgj0GU
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) January 8, 2024
Rivera, a standout linebacker for the Chicago Bears from 1984 through ’92, served as an NFL assistant coach with the Bears, Philadelphia Eagles and San Diego Chargers for the better part of two decades before taking the Panthers job.
Washington hasn’t enjoyed a winning season since it went 8–7–1 under Jay Gruden in 2016. The franchise’s last postseason victory came on Jan. 7, 2006, against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Statement from Ron Rivera pic.twitter.com/jQ0Pv482ee
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) January 8, 2024
